• The NHTA requires a Mission Statement for all new members to be signed and dated. The Mission Statement is on the application. Please send a letter, call or e-mail requesting a membership application to Kathy Denutte at the address below.

Complete membership application on first page of association section and send dues to:

NHTA Membership Director

Kathy Denutte

9 Badger Glen Dr.

Belmont, N.H. 03220

REPORT

The New Hampshire Trappers Association held a monthly director’s meeting February 5, 2013. New Hampshire Fish and Game Wildlife Biologist Pat Tate attended the meeting and answered questions regarding proposed changes in trapping laws. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had met with NHF&G and then Fish and Game invited NHTA directors to meet and discuss rules that would prevent potential captures of wildlife species that are listed as endangered. Notably the placement of traps near or around carcass piles and the use of 160 body-grip traps on the ground in northern areas where lynx may be present.

The New Hampshire Trappers Association will hold its Spring Meet at the Belknap County Sportsmen’s Club in Gilford. The clubhouse is located on Lilly Pond Rd (11C). The date for the meeting is April 21st, 2013. There will be vendors offering trapping supplies and trapping demonstrations. A donation jar will be out for the noon meal of chili, beans and hot dogs. Doors open at 7 am. If you are interested in providing a demonstration on a trapping-related topic, please contact an officer or director.

Due to the date of the Spring Meet, there will NOT be a monthly director’s meeting in May.

The Annual Banquet was held Saturday evening February 23rd, at Alan’s Restaurant in Boscawen. Despite the prospect of an incoming snowstorm, attendance was nearly at 100% of the tickets available. The setting was a bit snug, but the evening was pleasant and jovial. Many compliments were heard regarding the service and meal. Thank you Alan’s Restaurant.

NHTA vice president Larry Torr was recognized as the primary event organizer and was thanked by the attendees for his commitment and dedication to making the event a success. Larry did the majority of the legwork arranging the restaurant and menu, and soliciting donations for the silent auction and other raffles. Miss NH was on hand to address the banquet guests and show off her fisher coat. She assisted director Dwight Pennell in drawing tickets for prizes. A “thank-you” also to the officers and directors that solicited donations and for those that helped run the auctions, selling tickets, etc. It was a fun evening; if you missed it this year, make sure you get a ticket for next year’s.

The association directors will be present with the trapper’s cabin at the annual “Discover Wild NH Day” at the NH Fish and Game headquarters in Concord April 20th, 2012, from 10 am to 3 pm. This event is free to the public and draws hundreds of outdoors-orientated individuals each year: great exposure for NHTA.

The Association made a valiant attempt to set up an active beaver lodge/dam/pond exhibit this year at the Farm and Forest Exposition in Manchester February 7th and 8th. Directors Dwight & Bonnie Pennell, Dan Teague, Brain Denutte, Tyler and Jim Petrin, Dan Dockham, Carol Leonard and Paul DeBow showed up early with materials, supplies and vigor. There was, however, a miscommunication about the use of water on the exhibit floor and difficulty getting the power turned on in our designated corner. After a couple hours of standing around (and the prospect of the event being cancelled on day two due to weather – and a director that would need to travel in the weather with the storage trailer) the group voted to go with a slimmed down display of wildlife mounts and brochures. Attendance was very light on day one due to the weather and the event was indeed cancelled on day two. Thank you to directors Pete Laughlin, Brian Denutte, Steve Bennett, Carol Leonard and Dan Teague for sticking out the storm and attending to the booth. Next year!

The Association was sadden to learn of the passing of our trapping friend Jack Moody, 86, of Concord, NH. Jack was a WWII veteran, NHTA hall-of-fame member, and a delight to be around. He will be missed.